After months of waiting, the world will see Jake Paul and Mike Tyson square off in the ring. And contrary to popular belief this won’t be an exhibition contest, so this will be Tyson’s first pro fight since 2005.
Texas granted Tyson a boxing license despite his age (58) and recent health issues. The fight was meant for the summer, but Tyson suffered an ulcer flare-up.
“The Baddest Man on the Planet” has a chance to create headlines when he faces Paul, a YouTuber and disruptor. Paul competes in his 12th pro fight and has trolled everyone, including Tyson into bigger and bigger paydays. The time for fun and games ends when the first bell rings.
LIVE: Follow Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson updates from Netflix fight
Given the unique matchup, Paul’s novice skills, and Tyson’s clear limitations, this fight has a few significant changes compared to normal contests. The most prominent among them? The gloves the fighters will look to hit one another with in the main event.
Here’s the simple reason why Jake Paul and Mike Tyson will wear bigger boxing gloves than normal.
Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson boxing gloves, explained: Why the fighters opted for 14-ounce gloves
Paul and Tyson will wear 14-ounce gloves instead of the 10-ounce ones typically worn during championship-caliber bouts.
The heavier gloves are designed to limit the force of Paul and Tyson’s punches. The gloves will sound like they’re landing for power, but it could all be an illusion. Another factor of the heavier equipment is fatigue will likely set in quicker for the fighters.
Tyson has 44 knockout wins in his career. While most of them were while he was competing with 10-ounce mitts, the “Baddest Man on the Planet” will have to settle for the 14-ounce ones on Friday night.
“Well, you know, most of the gloves that are ten ounces, they don’t fit my hand properly,” Tyson told Newsmax via Essentially Sports. “And the 14-ounce, they don’t fit that well either. But they’re comfortable enough.”
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Tyson wore 12-ounce gloves against Roy Jones Jr. in their 2020 exhibition fight. Gloves that are 14 ounces are typically reserved for training and sparring to limit injury.
Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson fight rules
- Eight rounds
- Two minutes per round
- 14-ounce gloves
- Knockouts allowed
The Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson fight will be contested over eight two-minute rounds.
Tyson competed in an exhibition in 2020. However, this fight will count towards his Hall of Fame record. That is thanks to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations sanctioning this fight. Knockouts are allowed and can affect the fight outcome.
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How does scoring work for Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson?
Three judges will determine the winner of Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson, should it not first end in a stoppage.
The fight follows boxing’s typical 10-point scoring system, meaning each round will be scored 10-10 (a split), 10-9, or 10-8 (in the event of a knockdown). Points might also be deducted by the referee if a fighter commits a foul.
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